Follow this photographic journey around the coast of Bonaire:
Bonaire beach and cacti © Gennaro Salamone

Slavery is a common theme when studying the history of the Caribbean islands. Bonaire’s history is no different. The Spanish and the Dutch fought for years with the latter eventually gaining control of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Africans and Indians were used as labor with slaves living in quarters that were too short to stand in.
Former slave houses of Bonaire © Gennaro Salamone

Historically, salt production was the main labor for enslaved inhabitants. The salt industry still exists today and the solar salt farms along the southern part of Bonaire are used mostly for the creation of industrial salt. More important for visitors, the salt flats are a beautiful addition to the local landscape.
Salt flats of Bonaire © Gennaro Salamone

Miles of beaches covered in coral are found near the salt flats. Few venture into the waters of this area for swimming and much of it is uninhabited outside of a variety of birds and marine life. A lighthouse and its abandoned keeper’s house are a nice find for photographers.
Lighthouse © Gennaro Salamone

If you’re visiting Bonaire for diving or other water-related activities, a trip along the coast is a worthwile addition to your stay. It’s only a short drive from the resorts including Captain Don’s Habitat. That or a day trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park with its cacti, flamingos, and a sandy beach is a must.

This trip to Bonaire was courtesy of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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The Coastal Scenery of Bonaire

While visiting the island, it’s worth it to get up extra early at least once to see the happenings at Marsaxlokk. The fresh seafood and serene atmosphere in this area of Malta will make the old Polish saying “the shortest way to your heart is by the stomach” ring true.
Fisherman and his dog getting ready for the day © Kasia Tempes

You won’t be alone either. There are many tourists who come to observe this display of authentic activity by the Maltese people. Additionally, travelers have an opportunity to sample a variety of local fish including mussels, prawns, and the popular lampuki, which are delivered on the stands from the boats of Maltese fishermen. Fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs are also available.
Local Fish © Kasia Tempes

Between fish stands, colorful boats stand out rocking softly next to the shore. Locals crowd the area to examine the goods that fishermen coil in their nets. Merchants too rush around weighing and flaying the catch as customers wait.
Fish being prepared at the market © Kasia Tempes

If buying and preparing the fish yourself is too much of a hassle, the Marsaxlokk waterfront has a variety of seafood resturants to feed the influx of tourists in recent years.
Locals waiting for customers © Kasia Tempes

 
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Kasia Tempes is an aspiring photographer and journalist from Kraków, Poland. She loves to observe and photograph people in their everyday lives while traveling around the world. View Kasia’s photography on her website.

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A Traditional Maltese Fish Market

It takes many strong men to lift the traditional maibaum (decorated tree) at the festival, which is mostly organized by local traditional youth groups. The maibaum itself gets erected by a group of helpers because the tall tree is lifted with only a selection of smaller poles. The process can take many hours. During the last push to get the tree up, you’ll hear the men screaming “hau rucks” for leverage and unity.
Lifting of the Maibaum © Rolf Hicker

At the event, visitors can find many of these participants wearing traditional Bavarian clothing. Special socks are part of the traditional Bavarian clothing that’s worn during the lifting process. These special socks are worn with the famous German “lederhosen.”
German men wearing lederhosen © Rolf Hicker

While the boys are lifting up the maibaum, the girls are making sure that the guys are staying hydrated with original Bavarian beer. These women are wearing traditional clothing called a dirndl during the festivities. The traditional maibaum fest is a all day event. It’s common to see young men filling up a Masskrug or a 1 Liter Stein with fresh beer from a large wooden barrel.
Woman wearing a dirndl + Man with Bavarian beer © Rolf Hicker

 
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Rolf Hicker is a full time pro photographer who specializes in travel, nature, and wildlife. His images have been published in many of the largest magazines including National Geographic and Readers Digest as well as with some of the best known brand names like BMW, Holland America, Porsche, and Alaska Airlines. View more of Rolf’s Germany Pictures.

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The Bavarian Maibaum Festival

This is a time-lapse exposure of a busy city crowd moving through Grand Central Station.  The effect was created completely in-camera. The woman seemed to be a lonely tourist waiting for someone to come rescue her.  She was so amazingly still that she looked afraid to even move. I never saw anyone come, and she soon walked off by herself. 
Waiting in Grand Central Station, New York City © James Maher

This is a photo that I’ve been wanting to take for a long time. It captures two New York City subway trains in motion. This image was also created completely in-camera at the 72nd Street station in 2010.
Subway Trains in Motion, 72nd Street, New York City © James Maher

This photo was taken from the top of my mother’s building on Broadway and 94th street on a hot summer night in June of 2007. Lightning was flashing all around the building and the wind was gusting hard. Soon after this photo, it started to pour and the lightning strikes got close enough that I thought it best to leave. Earlier in the day, it is believed that one of these strikes hit a substation in Queens and was the cause of a blackout in the Bronx and on the Upper East Side, which created a lot of chaos during the 90 degree weather.
Lightning over Manhattan, New York City © James Maher

This photo was taken during the huge blizzard that hit the city in 2003. The snowstorm created such bad conditions that for much of the day I was completely lost in the park. At some point I found this bridge to seek refuge under. It didn’t take long before this couple came along with the same idea.
Couple in Snowstorm, Central Park, New York City © James Maher

The Chrysler Building, in my opinion, is the most iconic building in the city. The Gargoyles are probably the most talked about aspect of this classic Art Deco building, but I much prefer the metal spire, which can often be seen glinting like a diamond in the hot sun, or glowing throughout the night.
Chrysler Building Spire, New York City © James Maher

 
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James Maher is a fine art street and studio photographer based in New York City.  James credits his inspiration for photography to his love for the city and its endless supply of personalities to capture and streets to explore.  His New York photography consists of both scenic and architectural views of the city, as well as the closeup daily life of the people on the streets.
 

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A Scenic View of New York City

Follow this photographic journey featuring the Akha hill tribe transplanting rice:

Khum Lanna + Chiang Mai Rice Paddies © Gennaro Salamone

We were set for a sunrise biking tour along the rural country road from San Kwang village to Phrao to visit the local markets. Leaving the charming Khum Lanna, we were met by steady rains that prevented a view of the sunrise. Despite that, the early showers on the emerald-green rice paddies provided a tranquil atmosphere for the sojourn.

Akha Hill Tribe Transplanting Rice © Gennaro Salamone

We visited the local markets, stopping for tea and an interesting traditional drink that consisted mainly of raw eggs, before heading off to the area of the rice paddies where the Akha tribe was transplanting rice. Working in the rice paddies appeared to be labor intensive, but smiles were common among the inhabitants. This work is essential to the economic success of Thailand, which is the world’s biggest rice exporter according to the Bangkok Post.

Local Farmer © Gennaro Salamone + Overzealous Travel Writer (Taken by Ted Beatie)

The highlight of the morning was an opportunity to join the Akha in the rice paddies for some hands-on learning. It’s one thing to observe the nature of the labor, but having your legs ankle deep in mud while bending to stick rice plants into the ground gives a new level of understanding. We were fortunate to have a guide who had relationships with the community. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to forgo complete independence while traveling.

I was joined on the trip by travel writers: Angela Dollar, Ted Beatie, and Carlo Alcos. Visit and bookmark their websites. After that, view Lake Titicaca photos featuring the Uros people.

This trip to Thailand was courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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Rice Farmers of Thailand Through the Lens

Little Italy, New York City © Gennaro Salamone

What was once a thriving Italian enclave, Manhattan’s Little Italy has shrunk over the decades leaving only a small section with Italian restaurants and shops. While visiting Arthur Avenue in the Bronx provides for a more authentic experience, attending the San Gennaro Festival is an opportunity to participate in a traditional street fair.

Torrone + Zeppole © Gennaro Salamone

The highlight for festival goers is eating Italian food from street vendors. Sausage and peppers, zeppole, and cuts from giant slabs of torrone are especially popular. There is also a cannoli-eating contest for those with bottomless stomachs.

Italian Americans cooking traditional sausage © Gennaro Salamone

When they’re not preparing your meal, vendors exhibit their fun-loving and uninhibited nature. It’s a much needed diversion from the crowded lines on Mulberry and the adjacent streets.

Italian horns (corni) protect against the evil eye + Pinning of money on San Gennaro © Gennaro Salamone

For individuals who are more interested in the religious aspects of the San Gennaro, a mass is held on the official Saint Day (September 19) at the Most Precious Blood Church followed by a procession. It is tradition to pin money on the statue of San Gennaro as a donation to the church.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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The San Gennaro Festival

Follow this photographic journey about the Uros of Titicaca:

Uros Man + Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca © Gennaro Salamone

The floating islands are created from the totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These reeds are also used for meals, medicine, and for build boats. The boats were traditionally used for transportation, fishing trips, and defense. Carachi and catfish are two of the fish that have been caught for generations. Today, boats are often used for profit by locals who take travelers for a short journeys.

Uros Girls © Gennaro Salamone

The islands are filled with Uros children who are either wandering around or selling their family’s wares. The younger girl (left) was fascinated with a cat that was strolling across the reed floor of their island. You’ll find that all of the women are dressed in traditional clothing whereas a few of the men wear Western hats or pants. It’s also true that Uros women make most of the contact with tourists including providing information, selling goods, and setting up arrangements for overnight stays.

Uros Women © Gennaro Salamone

Only a few hundred Uros remain on the islands. Thousands of others have moved to the mainland. The Uros who remain on the island rely on a combination of traditional living and modern amenities. They have some electricity which powers their own radio station and a few hours of television per day. That being said, living on the island isn’t an easy life. Maintaining the totora reeds takes a lot of labor. The same is true of gathering food, educating children, and dealing with the encroachment of outsiders.

View another featuring journey Cusco, Peru photos.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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The Uros of Lake Titicaca

Follow this photographic journey around the ghats of Pushkar:
Holy Cow + Preparing To Bathe © Gennaro Salamone

Sacred cows are seen throughout India including Pushkar. Whether it’s a rural area or walking down the streets of a major city, cows are a permanent part of the landscape. Revered by followers of the Hindu faith, the animals are well fed by owners and local passers-by. Travelers are often seen petting the gentle creatures (see photo above). Do note that beef is not readily available in Hindu communities. Tourists who are desperate for a fix will need to visit a Muslim community instead.

Pushkar Street Food + Colored Powder © Gennaro Salamone

Before visiting several of the 50+ ghats of Pushkar Lake, indulge in some of the local street food. The cuisine uses a variety of spices and flavors that remains unmatched by other ethnic foods. After filling up, walk the streets of Pushkar which are filled with small shops that sell local products ranging from bracelets and clothing to the colorful powder used during festivals like Holi. That festival involves the throwing of colorful powder and water at friends and family.

Solitude + Musician of Pushkar © Gennaro Salamone

The ghats of Pushkar are considered a holy place. Hindus use the steps to descend into the sacred waters of the lake. Each ghat has a unique feel to it ranging from a place of solitude to a more celebratory atmosphere. Foreigners are expected to remove their shoes when entering the ghat area. It’s also considered inappropriate to photographs bathing locals without their permission.

Follow another photographic journey to Bodh Gaya, India photos.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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Pushkar Ghats Through the Lens

Follow this photographic journey into the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Soldier on Guard © Gennaro Salamone

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays respect to the remains of unidentified soliders. Tombs of this ilk are found throughout the world. The Tomb at Arlington National Cemetary is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by specially trained member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry.

Changing of the Guard + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier © Gennaro Salamone

The changing of the guard is popular among tourists. The ceremony itself is highly regimented. It provided visitors with a view of the formality of the armed servies along with an idea about the seriousness in which the soldier take their service in relation to guarding the Tomb.

Graves © Gennaro Salamone

Together with the happening at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visitors have an chance to walk around Arlington National Cemetary viewing the tombstones and graves of more than 300,000 people dating back to the American Revolution.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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Memorial Day Weekend: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Follow this photographic journey featuring two of these fishermen:

Mekong River, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

The Mekong River plays a vital role in the economy of several Southeast Asian countries. Laos is particularly dependent upon it with all their major cities located on the river. Luang Prabang, a north-central city, is a particularly interesting spot for a river voyage or to simply watch locals at work.

Fishermen, Luang Prabang © Gennaro Salamone

The best time to view the fishermen in action is early in the morning. This is when they catch fish for their families or to sell at the various markets. The men working on the river are very friendly, but rarely speak English. Learn a few Lao phrases to break the ice before asking to photograph them.

Fishermen, Luang Prabang © Gennaro Salamone

The condition of their equipment gives some insight into the economics of fishing on the Mekong. Local fisherman often use primative gear that requires a lot of manual labor. That usually makes for a limited catch per day. The men in the photographs remained in the same spot for two hours. They caught six decent-sized fish.

Follow another photographic journey to Pushkar, India.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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Lao Fishermen on the Mekong

Follow this photographic journey into the temple complex:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Massive tree roots engulf many of the temple structures especially at Ta Prohm. That’s where scenes from Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider were filmed. It’s also one of the most visually pleasing segments of Angkor.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

The space is filled with lots of detailed figures. Many of them represent Hindu devatas (deities or celestial beings). Along with that representation comes a variety of Hindu stories told through carvings in the stone.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist statues demonstrate later influences at Angkor Wat. At the same time, scattered stones and partial structures show years of wear and tear at the grand temples.

For tourists visiting Angkor Wat, the temple complex has hundreds of structures over a considerable distance. Consider spending several days viewing them. Hiring a motorbike or renting a bicycle is a great way to get around.

View another journey featuring Bodh Gaya, India photos.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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Angkor Wat Through the Lens

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Peruvians continue to proudly point out the remaining aspects of the culture including a durable Inca stone wall. Even today, Cusco has maintained a level of grandeur. That and its close proximity to Machu Picchu make Cusco one of the most popular cities for travelers to South American continent.

Follow this photographic journey through the historical capital of the Incas:

Cathedral of Cusco, Peru © Gennaro Salamone

The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is filled with beautiful architecture. This gathering place is the location of the city’s cathedral. As with most Peruvian cities, the influence of the Spanish Empire is visually apparent.

Procession, Cusco © Bella Hobbel

Catholicism has a substantial influence on local culture. Processions to honor patron saints or Jesus Christ are regular occurrences. These processions are a great way to observe locals spending time with their families.

Indigenous Textiles and Food Markets © Gennaro Salamone

Indigenous textile markets provide travelers with plenty of warm clothing options for the trip to Machu Picchu. Together with the textiles, Cusco has a sizable food market with fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. It’s also a fun place to observe the haggling between locals.

Architecture, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone

Cusco’s architecture shows both Incan and Spanish influences. It is, perhaps, the best place in Peru to view this combination. A bonus to travelers is viewing the majestic hills around the city along with the stunning blue skies. Perfect for photographers.

Local Kids, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone

Cusco is filled with local kids trying to pass the day. It’s a good idea to spend time observing their joy, as you sit in the Plaza de Armas, trying to avoid overexertion and altitude sickness.

View another journey through the floating islands of Lake Titicaca photos or the Bodh Gaya, India photos chronicling the place of Buddha’s enlightenment.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

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Cusco, Peru: A Photographic Journey

Follow this photographic journey into the home of The Buddha’s enlightenment.

Buddhist Temple, Bodh Gaya © Gennaro Salamone

Bodh Gaya is filled with Buddhist temples that were built by governments throughout Asia. Every nation with a significant Buddhist population has built their own temple to pay respect to the place of Buddha’s enlightenment

Relaxing Monks © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist monks from a variety of nations make the pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple to meditate under the Bodhi tree. It’s a peaceful respite from the chaos of India’s urban areas.

Bhikkhuni (Buddhist Nuns) © Gennaro Salamone

All Buddhist traditions have Bhikkhuni (Buddhist Nuns). While nuns take the same important vows, their position and stature within the Buddhist community is largely determined by their country.

The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple © Gennaro Salamone

The Bodhi tree at Mahabodhi Temple is an ancestor of the original tree that Siddhartha Guatama attained enlightenment under around 530 BCE. Visitors and monks alike wait for falling Bodhi leaves which symbolize good fortune.

Prayer Flags, Mahabodhi Temple © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist Emperor Asoka is considered the founder of the Mahabodhi Temple. It’s a brilliant architectural structure. The central tower rises to over 180 feet (55 meters). Lucky prayer flags are seen throughout the complex.

Buddha Statue © Gennaro Salamone

Bodh Gaya, India is home to thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes. Each statue has a unique meaning in connection with the Buddha’s positioning and facial expression.

Buddhist Monk Chanting © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist chanting takes place regularly under the Bodhi tree. Pilgrims and tourists alike take in the beautiful rhythms of the chants. Many visitors and monks begin to pray at this moment.

Read about three perfect places to meet Buddhist monks then follow another photographic journey to Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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Bodh Gaya: Place of Buddha’s Enlightenment

Though its slightly bigger than it’s predecessors, the new model remains the perfect size to carry along on your trips around the world. With that increased size comes the previously mentioned increase in zoom and a 2.5 inch Vari-angle LCD for flexible viewing.

Two other unique features that separates this camera from many of its competitors are the ability to capture high-resolution images while recording movies and the color accent mode (see below).

Color Accent Photo @ Luang Prabang, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

Purchase: Canon Powershot SX10 IS

Editor’s note: This article contains an affiliate link.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

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Canon Powershot SX10 IS